Does TMS Therapy Work? How It Treats Depression

by Brain Health Center | April 26, 2023 | Last Updated on February 10, 2025
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has transformed mental health treatment, offering a proven, FDA-approved approach for depression and other neurological disorders. This non-invasive therapy uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to activate specific brain regions, restoring healthy neural activity patterns where depression has disrupted them.

We see life-changing results every day through our Stanford-researched TMS treatment. In just 5 days, you can experience significant improvement — even if other treatments haven’t worked for you. Our evidence-based approach has helped thousands of patients regain their mental wellness, and we offer the most affordable repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment program in the country.

How Does TMS Work for Depression?

A comprehensive review published in Cureus Medical Journal shows remarkable TMS treatment effectiveness for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment resistant depression, with response rates between 50-55% and remission rates between 30-35%. Beyond depression, research shows this FDA-approved treatment can help with other mental health disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety symptoms, and even challenges like smoking cessation. Clinical studies consistently validate TMS effectiveness across these conditions.

Treatment involves repetitive sessions of noninvasive brain stimulation. During each session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The coil emits a magnetic pulse that delivers deep brain stimulation to the part of your brain responsible for regulating mood.

At Brain Health Center, we specialize exclusively in Stanford-researched TMS technology, delivering our innovative treatment through an accelerated 5-day TMS program. Our focused expertise allows us to provide faster relief through personalized treatment plans.

Who Can Benefit from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation effectiveness has been well documented for a wide range of patients, particularly those struggling with major depression. Clinical research confirms that brain stimulation therapies can help normalize activity in the prefrontal cortex and brain cells, making it especially valuable for people who:

  • Haven’t found relief through traditional antidepressants
  • Are experiencing treatment-resistant depression
  • Prefer a noninvasive treatment approach
  • Want to avoid medication side effects
  • Need a faster path to recovery

So, does TMS therapy work for everyone? While no treatment is universal, studies consistently show that TMS is effective for most patients. Our Stanford-researched protocols target the specific areas of your brain that regulate mood, offering a precise and personalized approach to mental wellness.

For patients wondering, “Is TMS effective?” the evidence shows it’s an FDA-approved therapy that has helped thousands find relief, even when other treatments haven’t succeeded. We’ll work with you to determine if TMS is the right choice for your unique situation.

How Effective is TMS Therapy for Depression?

Recent research has dramatically advanced our understanding of TMS effectiveness. A groundbreaking Stanford University study revealed remarkable results with their accelerated protocol: “Remission typically occurred within days and lasted months. The only side effects were temporary fatigue and headaches,” reports the American Journal of Psychiatry study.

The evolution of TMS treatment shows impressive progress:

  • A comprehensive Cureus medical journal review found traditional TMS achieves “response rates between 50% and 55%, and remission rates between 30% and 35% in patients with major depression.”
  • Stanford’s accelerated protocol achieved remission in 78.6% of participants after just five days of treatment

So, does TMS work? “It works well, it works quickly, and it’s noninvasive,” says Dr. Nolan Williams, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford. “It could be a game changer.”

At Brain Health Center, we’re proud to offer accelerated TMS protocols based on this cutting-edge research. Our approach delivers the precise, personalized treatment that has shown such promising results in clinical studies, making this breakthrough therapy accessible to those who need it most.

Long-Term TMS Treatment Effectiveness

Is transcranial magnetic stimulation effective over the long term? It can be, and many academic studies and reviews hail TMS — and accelerated TMS, in particular — as the future of depression treatment. However, Individual results vary based on several key factors:

  • The severity of the depression
  • Age and lifestyle
  • Medical history and other current medical conditions
  • Previous responses to other treatments
  • Combination with additional therapies.

While TMS offers lasting relief for many patients, we take a proactive approach to maintaining your progress. Our comprehensive follow-up care includes periodic maintenance sessions, carefully timed to prevent symptom relapse. Through our personalized booster treatment plans, we help ensure the improvements you achieve through TMS therapy continue long-term.

At Brain Health Center, we track your progress closely and work with you to determine the optimal timing of maintenance sessions based on your individual response and needs. This ongoing support helps many patients maintain their improved mental health for extended periods.

Why More People Are Choosing TMS Therapy

The growing success of TMS among depression treatments has transformed it from a last-resort option to a preferred first-line treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. As a noninvasive procedure and outpatient procedure, TMS is transforming how we approach mental health care.

  • A Gentle, Safe Approach: You remain awake during treatment, experiencing only mild tapping sensations while the TMS machine does its work. Our Stanford-researched protocols ensure maximum comfort throughout each session.
  • Minimal Risk: With very few side effects, TMS rarely causes significant disruption. Most patients report only mild, temporary headaches or minor scalp sensitivity.
  • FDA-Approved Treatment: Our TMS therapy meets the highest safety and effectiveness standards established by the FDA for treating major depressive disorder.
  • Freedom from Medication: While some patients combine treatments for enhanced results, TMS offers an effective alternative to those seeking relief without medication.
  • Fits Your Schedule: Each session takes just 20-40 minutes, and you can immediately return to your daily activities. With our accelerated 5-day program, you can complete treatment without disrupting your life.

We’ve made this breakthrough therapy accessible through the lowest rates in the country, helping more people access the mental health care they deserve.

TMS Safety and Side Effects

TMS therapy has built an impressive safety record over its development. First approved by the FDA for major depressive disorder in 2008, TMS has received multiple additional FDA approvals — including to treat OCD in 2017, migraine treatment in 2019, and as an aid for smoking cessation in 2020. Each new approval demonstrates the treatment’s expanding benefits and proven safety profile.

We prioritize your comfort and safety throughout treatment. While most patients tolerate their repetitive TMS (RTMS) treatment extremely well, you might experience some mild, temporary effects:

  • Brief Headaches: Some patients experience mild headaches that resolve quickly and respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Mild Sensations: During treatment, you may feel light tapping where the magnetic coil touches your scalp. This sensation typically disappears immediately after each session.
  • Temporary Facial Effects: Brief muscle twitching or tingling in the face area can occur for a few seconds during treatment but subsides quickly.
  • Minor Dizziness: A small number of patients report brief lightheadedness that passes shortly after treatment.

Our experienced team monitors your comfort throughout each session and can adjust the treatment as needed. We’ll work closely with you to ensure TMS is the right choice for your situation, answering any questions you have about the process.

A woman sits on the floor in front of a bed, contemplating her thoughts in a serene bedroom setting.

TMS Therapy — Does It Work for Everyone?

While our success rates with TMS therapy are consistently high, does TMS work for all situations? Determining this is an important first step. Many patients find TMS to be an excellent first-line treatment option, particularly since most insurance companies now recognize its effectiveness earlier in the treatment journey. You may be an ideal candidate if:

  • You’re seeking a proven, noninvasive form of treatment
  • You want to avoid antidepressant side effects
  • You’re looking for an alternative to medication

While our Stanford-researched TMS protocols are safe and effective, some conditions may affect your eligibility:

  • Metal implants in your head or brain from previous injuries
  • Cochlear implants
  • Pregnancy
  • History of seizures

Our experienced providers will carefully review your medical history during your consultation to ensure TMS is the right choice for you. We’re committed to finding the most effective treatment path for your unique situation.

Is TMS Effective for Other Conditions?

While we specialize in TMS for depression, FDA approvals demonstrate its effectiveness for several other conditions. Currently, TMS has earned FDA approval to:

  • Treat OCD
  • Relieve migraine pain
  • Aid in smoking cessation
  • Address anxiety symptoms when they occur with depression

The scientific community continues to explore TMS’s potential benefits for additional conditions, including:

  • Insomnia
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While research shows promise for these additional applications, health insurance company coverage varies by condition. Our team can help you understand both the treatment possibilities and TMS coverage options for your specific situation.

What If It Doesn’t Seem to Be Working? 

Every patient responds to TMS therapy differently. While many experience improvements within our 5-day accelerated program, others may need additional time to achieve optimal results. Your response to treatment can be influenced by several factors:

  • The severity of your symptoms
  • Other underlying medical conditions
  •  Frequency and intensity of TMS therapy sessions

The expert team at Brain Health Center can provide you with general timelines for how long TMS typically takes to work, to help with your research. We carefully monitor your progress throughout treatment, adjusting your protocol as needed for the best possible outcomes. If you’re currently undergoing TMS therapy and unsure about your progress, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. It’s essential you feel comfortable and informed about your treatment journey, so we encourage you to track your symptoms and discuss them with your provider to determine if adjusting your TMS protocol, adding medication, or incorporating other therapies might be an effective course of action.

Find Out If TMS Therapy Could Work for You

Experience breakthrough TMS treatment at the most affordable rates in the country. At Brain Health Center, we make our innovative 5-day program accessible to those who need it most.

Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and help determine if TMS is right for your situation. We’re committed to providing personalized care and support throughout your journey to better mental health. 

Contact us today at 435.900.0123 or email us at hello@brainhc.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.